Flying Fork Cafe

Delicious find in Paonia… we had the Burrata, Spinaci salad, pasta primavera and short ribs. Jen was our sweet wonderful waitress and the entire staff was excellent. We will be back anytime our travels bring us this way (after a day wine tasting at the Black Bridge or Azura… exploring Kebler Pass and the beautiful aspens and ferns).

Casual setting. Here for work. Can't wait to bring back the family. They love Italian food and this was excellent. Prices were reasonable. Service was good.

We’re the drinks amazing? Yes. Was the bartender Oakley extremely awesome (& made that bar look mighty amazing)? Double yes. Will I come back from the drinks? Yes. Will I come for the eye candy? 😉😉😉

My wife and I ate here two nights in a row during a recent trip to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. What more to say, the food was outstanding. There are many pasta dishes to suit any taste. We sat outside on the spacious patio and felt comfortable with the distance between tables in these COVID times. The staff was very accommodating and kept our water glasses full on the warm evenings.

Reservations are recommended for inside but the patio dining is first-come, first-served, so get there early! We noticed a lot of locals frequented the restaurant, which is usually a good sign, and it was! The town of Paonia is quaint and fun to explore with easy walks. Also recommended is the nearby Bross Hotel if you are looking to stay the night.

If you are in the area and looking for dinner you will not go wrong with the Flying Fork!

Thank God this restaurant is in Paonia. What a nice gathering place to share a good meal and drinks with friends and family. The backyard patio is the best spot. Who wouldn't want to dine under trees laden with fruit and twinkling strings of lights? Thank you, chef/owner Kelly, for working so hard to give Paonia a place to have dinner out. There's also a small cocktail bar with a great bartender!

Thank you.

My wife and I were out on our honeymoon and randomly stopped at this eatery. Wow, we were absolutely taken aback by how delicious the food at this restaurant was; it felt like I was in the Italian district in St. Louis, Missouri.

We, unintentionally, felt like we were on a romantic, high scale date in such a small community.

Our experience at Flying Fork made me proud to be an American. Because only in America could we spend a day hiking in and out of a gorgeous canyon (Black Canyon of the Gunnison, SOB Draw trail) and then, in a tiny little Colorado town, find the best Italian style pizza we've ever had. And we've been to Florence.

We ordered an app sized portion of the Ravioli as an appetizer, which was delicious. Then we had the Pesto pizza and the Porcini pizza the aforementioned best Italian pizza we've ever had. Crispy all the way through, amazing fresh ingredients, and parmesan cheese baked into the crust.

Next time we'll probably swap the Ravioli for a Tiramisu dessert and we'll specify that we want an outside table for our reservation. Only downside was we were sorta shoved into a weird corner table and gazed longingly at the beautiful outside terrance tables. But again, the best Italian style pizza we've ever had.

I visited with some family as I was in Colorado for a week, and ordered the Linguine, which was served with garlic, capers, parsley, and olive oil. As someone who has trouble with the standard large bowls/plates of food, I was happily surprised with the option to order an appetizer size for appx. $9 USD.

I would say it was definitely one of, if not the best meals I'd had on my trip. The size was exactly what I would need to be full, the garlic wasn't overwhelming, the pasta was cooked to perfection, the bread side was great as well. 10/10 would go again.

Nice patio, decent desserts. There was a little mix-up with the orders so I can understand where the other reviews are coming from, though I would suggest if anything were to happen you ask someone instead of wallowing in anger for an hour like the other reviewer.

Purchased fresh home baked bread for takeout. Good quality. It is easy to see from their menu and the restaurant layout that this is a food offering that is next level up. It is understandable that some of the reviews show confusion about what Flying Fork really is. It is a specialty place that can require some understanding to appreciate and discover compatibility. Operating such a phenomenon in Paonia involves some challenge and like most establishments, they no doubt have off-days, errors and global supply impacts. Some patience may be needed to experience the culinary and presentation skills available

Awesome food in a very cute town. I took my girlfriend out for her 30th. The staff was very kind, the prices very reasonable and the food was outstanding. I highly recommend the chicken piccata. We will definitely come back the next time we’re in Paonia

The service was excellent and the food was awesome! Chicken piccata and Chicken Parm was amazing and beautifully prepared. Quality ingredients good people great atmosphere gets this fine establishment 5 stars ⭐ Shine on…

Outstanding 3 course meal with amazing ambiance and staff! Enjoyed every bite!

Wonderful finer dining. The patio is delightful. The food is high quality and scrumptious. Check out the bar on your way in with good Happy Hour specials.

The best fettuccine I've had for a long time. It's a simple dish. But, many kitchens blow it. And the service was great.

Primo Italian food. Never bad, always amazing
Friendly wait staff, great chefs.
Wonderful outside patio. Not many restaurants in Paonia, so grateful for the Fork

Best meal I had while in town. I had the Chicken Marsalas. Great healthy diner. A memorable experience!

I did not expect to find amazing italian in the mountains but this place is well worth stopping at if you are in town. Actually if you are in town GO HERE. Good sevice, nice venue, Great food.

Higher end Italian dining for a very nice meal and wine selection. Outdoor seating in the yard patio under the trees is especially nice

By far the best restaurant food in Paonia. Even as good as what we cook at home with 1600 square feet of garden and an overflowing shelf of cookbooks. Kelly buys local whenever he can.